Condo of the Week: $1 million for 2 bedrooms and a rooftop patio

Who needs a yard anyway?

The details: $998,000 / 2010 / 1,222 sq. ft. / 2 bed, 2 bath / 909-221 Union St.

The condo: This is penthouse living in downtown’s most rapidly growing area. The 1,200-sq.-ft. condo include 9-ft. ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick, and sealed concrete floors. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances with a gas cooktop, wall oven, and stone counters, while crystal chandeliers offer up a bit of bling. The real star of the show, however, is the outdoor space. With two decks off the main floor plus a private rooftop deck with your very own hot tub, summertimes will never be the same.

The building: V6A is a six-year-old concrete building at the corner of Main Street and Union. Amenities include a gym, conference room, and concierge service. Plus you get two parking spots.

The neighbourhood: Bordering Chinatown and Strathcona, this location is smack-dab in the middle of a rapidly booming culinary and cocktail scene. Bao Bei, The Union, Mamie Taylor’s, Phnom Phnem, Juniper, The Keefer, Bodega, Campagnolo, Brixton Cafe, and London Pub are all within two blocks. Matchstick Coffee is right around the corner for your caffeine fix. It’s still a short stroll to the SkyTrain and downtown, plus a couple of blocks from the Seawall. If/when the viaducts go, expect more big changes in the neighbourhood.

The potential downsides: There is some noise to deal with, both from traffic and late-night restaurant goers. Views are not protected here either, so don’t be surprised to see your view change over the years. The second bedroom is closed in with two sliding glass door panels, which may not provide the privacy needed if it’s to serve as a permanent bedroom.

The private rooftop deck includes a hot tub.

The open kitchen bar seats four.

The spacious living area has a large deck—just one of three.

The master bedroom has a walk-through closet to the ensuite bathroom.

The master ensuite includes a separate tub and shower.

The second bedroom with a Murphy bed and sliding glass doors is great for guests—less great for roommates.

The main-floor patio and its sunny exposure.

Enjoy views down False Creek and toward the mountains. Until Concord Pacific builds in the lot across the street anyway.

The six-year-old V6A building.

The main floor plan.

The rooftop deck.